Plowtector systems

ABSTRACT

A plowtector system for extending a snow marker pole over a residential curb. The plowtector system reduces the chance of damage to a curb and/or snow plow when plowing is necessary. A snow marker pole placed within the plowtector system reaches over where the curb starts so that the snow plow operator has a clearer indication of how far to the side they can travel. Should the plowtector system be struck by a snow plow, the system can twist from side to side, reducing the amount of damage that may be caused by such action. The integral components of the plowtector system keep the snow marker in a level position, and bypass the possibility of the snow marker becoming lodged in snow or ice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of snow marker posts and more specifically relates to a plowtector system.

2. Description of Related Art

Many individuals use roadside markers to mark the position of the outskirts of the property during deep snow. These markers are placed to help avoid contact with the curb, and are meant to be highly visible. However, during intense storms, especially like those in the northern United States and Canada, these markers can be covered by the rapid snow fall. When this occurs, snow plows have no directional marker, and often impact with the marker as well as the property displaying the marker. During such an incident, not only is the marker destroyed, but the snow plow and property may be damaged in the collision. This is also a very costly accident to the property owner and the snow plow company.

Snow markers are meant to be highly visible markers with reflective paint. This, however, does not help when the marker has been covered during intense snow fall. When roads are highly plowed after the snow storm, the pushed snow can sometimes cover the snow marker, causing a second or third plow to run over the marker, potentially causing an accident. Even well placed markers with highly visible paint can be missed and struck when placed too close to the property (i.e. curb, fence post, median, etc.). It is therefore desirable to provide an extension to add to the visibility of the snow marker by extending it outward while also permitting the marker to be struck but not destroyed in cases of accidental contact.

Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0197902 to Arra David Yeghiayan et al.; U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0180729 to Jason Yang; U.S. Pub. No. 2013/0340670 to Keith Vogt; U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,953 to Brad Groves; U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,945 to Sidney A. Heenan; U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,614 to James L. Overacker; U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,300 to Fumonori Nakamura et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,279 to P. Hedgewick; U.S. Pat. No. 3,636,913 to Peter Glavey O′brien; U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,410 to Donald C. Suhr et al.; International Pat. and Pub. Nos. CA 2387664 to Denis Courtemanche; CA 2114578 to Emmanuel Deschenes et al; CA 2451332 to Murry R. Nielsen; CA 2353437 to Harry E. Lowe; CA 2884053 to Patrick John Martin et al.; WO 2015136542 to Shahar Bahiri et al.; and GB 2524358 to Brian M. McGeehin et al. This art is representative of snow marker posts. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Preferably, a plowtector system should provide a means to avoid damage to a snow plow and user's property by effectively marking and outlining of the property's curb in a highly visual manner and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable plowtector system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known snow marker post art, the present invention provides a novel plowtector system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an adaptor to increase visibility of a snow marker to avoid a snow plow collision with a property's curb.

A plowtector system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a main vertical support comprising; a retaining cap, a first magnet, at least two post securing apertures, a lower protruding rim, a horizontal rotary arm comprising; an upper protruding rim, a second magnet, an extension arm, at least one adjustable span aperture, a spring end A, a receiving hand; a swivel ball comprising, a spring end B, a spring attachment bar-disk, at least two square marker tie apertures, and a pad. The plowtector assembly comprises phosphorescent paint, non-ferrous material, and extreme temperature resistant materials. The plowtector assembly comprises in functional combination the main vertical support, the horizontal rotary arm, and the receiving hand.

The main vertical support may comprise a pair of the horizontal rotary arms for supporting dual snow markers. The main vertical support exterior shape comprises ribbed protrusions for adding structural strength, the retaining cap for protecting the main vertical support from accidental dislodgement of integral components, the first magnet when in proximity with the second magnet allowing the plowtector assembly to maintain original alignment, at least two post securing apertures useful for securing the main vertical support to a post, and the lower protruding rim to allow the horizontal rotary arm to act as a support for the upper protruding rim attached to the horizontal rotary arm. The cap comprises an aperture for inserting a pinlock to deter theft.

The horizontal rotary arm comprises the upper protruding rim, structured and arranged for resting on the lower protruding rim, the second magnet when aligned with the first magnet, allows the horizontal rotary arm, if struck, to return to the initial position, and the extension arm is useful for extending the horizontal position outward. The extension arm comprises at least one adjustable span aperture used in conjunction with the extension arm to stabilize the extended horizontal position, and the spring end A is fixedly attached to the extension arm, which expands in length to twenty-five inches. The receiving hand comprises the swivel ball for allowing the receiving hand to pivot on the horizontal rotary arm; the swivel ball comprises the spring attachment bar-disk for attaching to the spring end B used to maintain tension, at least two square marker tie apertures, and the pad for keeping a marker in place.

The receiving hand comprises a c-shape for cylindrical snow marker poles. The swivel ball outer surface comprises a rough surface for increased grip, and a smooth surface to assist in adjustment of the receiving hand. The receiving hand comprises at least two square marker tie apertures for securing snow markers, and the pad comprises deformable rubberized material for securing the snow marker pole in place. The main vertical support, the horizontal rotary arm, and the receiving hand which increases visibility of the snow marker pole in order to avoid damage and accidents from snow plows while plowing.

A kit is also described herein including: the main vertical support, the horizontal rotary arm, the receiving hand, the retaining cap; and a set of user instructions.

A method of using the plowtector system is also disclosed herein comprising the steps of: assembling a kit of a plowtector system, installing a main vertical support to a pole, adjusting a horizontal rotary arm, measuring for placement of a snow marker pole, lengthening an extension arm to a desired length; and installing said snow marker pole to a receiving hand. The method may further comprise the steps of: disassembling a plowtector system; and storing the plowtector system as desired.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a plowtector system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, plowtector system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a plowtector system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing an installed plowtector assembly, with a user adjusting the main vertical support on a snow marker post after consulting the user instructions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view illustrating the plowtector system comprising an installed snow marker into the plowtector assembly alerting the snow plow driver to the location of the curb according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view illustrating the plowtector system showing the installed snow marker attached to the plowtector assembly immediately before impact with a snow plow according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the plowtector system showing the installed snow marker attached to the plowtector assembly swinging away from the snow plow after being struck, but before resetting to the original position according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a cut-out perspective view illustrating the plowtector system showing the inner structure of the plowtector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the plowtector system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a snow marker post and more particularly to a plowtector system as used to improve the adaptor to increase visibility of a snow marker to avoid a snow plow collision with a property's curb this will prevent damage to a snow plow, user's property, and curb-lined vehicles during heavy snow fall.

Generally speaking, the plowtector system allows snow markers to extend past the driveway curb of a residence for directing snow plows a safer distance away from the property. This serves to avoid property damage or breakage of the post on impact. The plowtector system is designed to be used with a mounting post thus permitting height adjustment to avoid becoming stuck in snow or ice. Magnets installed within the main vertical support and the horizontal rotary arm maintain the arm in position; however, allow rotation of the horizontal rotary arm in the event the snow plow comes in contact with the plowtector, preventing damage to the plowtector, posts, or snow plow vehicles. A spring located within the extension arm maintains placement of the swivel ball and receiving hand which assists in sustaining a level position of the snow marker, and further limits damage.

Snow markers are a necessity in areas where heavy snowfall removal involves the use of snow plows. Usually, a snow marker is placed with a post to help snow plow operators navigate around curbs and driveways for the prevention of damage to the curb or snow plow in the event of contact between the snow plow and the curb. The plowtector system decreases the likelihood of such contact by moving a snow marker pole over the curb without moving the post where snow marker poles are generally attached. Furthermore, the plowtector system has the ability to rotate back and forth which allows flexion of the hand at the swivel ball, and the horizontal rotary arm at the main vertical support if the circumstance arises of being struck so that the plowtector system, snow marker pole, and snow plow do not withstand significant damage.

Snow markers painted in phosphorescent colors are not enough to protect property during extreme weather. The plowtector system may be painted in an accenting phosphorescent color to add greater visibility by combining colors for increased visual awareness. Since the base may be hidden in snow, the extension arm protrudes out of the snow bank attached to the snow marker, therefore avoiding being completely covered by passing snow plows and falling snow.

The construction of the plowtector system is designed with stability in mind. A snow plow, when striking the plowtector system, the horizontal rotary arm will then swing away from the snow plow after contact. The swivel ball connected to the extension arm and the receiving hand which has flexion ability will flex when struck; however, will return to its original position by way of the spring housed within the extension arm attached to the swivel ball. Finally, the horizontal rotary arm will swing back into position, lining up because of the magnets that hold it in place. This system of magnets and spring are capable of being struck multiple times while still returning to the initial position after being struck.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, plowtector system 100 comprising: plowtector assembly 110 comprising main vertical support 115, retaining cap 117, first magnet 119, at least two post securing apertures 121, lower protruding rim 123, horizontal rotary arm 125 comprising, upper protruding rim 127, second magnet 129, extension arm 131, at least one adjustable span aperture 133, spring end A 135, receiving hand 137 comprising, swivel ball 139 comprising, spring end B 141, spring attachment bar-disk 143, at least two square marker tie apertures 145, and pad 147. Plowtector assembly 110 comprises in functional combination main vertical support 115, horizontal rotary arm 125, and receiving hand 137.

Main vertical support 115 comprises retaining cap 117 for protecting main vertical support 115 from accidental dislodgement of integral components; first magnet 119 when in proximity with second magnet 129 allows plowtector assembly 110 to maintain original alignment, at least two post securing apertures 121 useful for securing main vertical support 115 to post 153, and lower protruding rim 123 to allow horizontal rotary arm 125 to act as a support for upper protruding rim 127 attached to horizontal rotary arm 125.

Horizontal rotary arm 125 comprises upper protruding rim 127 structured and arranged for resting on lower protruding rim 123; second magnet 129 when aligned with first magnet 119 allows horizontal rotary arm 125, if struck to return to initial position; extension arm 131 useful for extending horizontal position outward. Extension arm 131 comprises at least one adjustable span aperture 133 used in conjunction with extension arm 131 to stabilize the extended horizontal position, and spring end A 135 fixedly attached to extension arm 131. Receiving hand 137 comprises swivel ball 139 for allowing receiving hand 137 to pivot on horizontal rotary arm 125; swivel ball 139 comprising spring attachment bar-disk 143 for attaching to spring end B 141 for maintaining tension, at least two square marker tie apertures 145, and pad 147 for keeping a marker in place. Main vertical support 115, horizontal rotary arm 125, and receiving hand 137 increase visibility of snow marker pole 155 to avoid damage and accidents from snow plows 157 while plowing.

Pad 147 comprises rubberized material that is deformable when impacted. Plowtector assembly 110 comprises non-ferrous material such that it is corrosion resistant. Plowtector assembly 110 comprises durable plastic materials such that it is corrosion resistant. Main vertical support 115 comprises a pair of horizontal rotary arms 125. Main vertical support 115 exterior shape comprises ribbed protrusions 159 for structural strength. Plowtector assembly 110 comprises phosphorescent paint such that it is visible after dark. Extension arm 131 expands in length to twenty-five inches. Retaining cap 117 comprises aperture 161 for inserting a pinlock therethrough to deter theft. Swivel ball 139 outer surface comprises a rough surface for increased grip, and an inner surface which comprises a smooth surface to assist in adjustment of receiving hand 137. Receiving hand 137 comprises c-shape 163 for cylindrical snow marker poles 155. Plowtector assembly 110 comprises extreme temperature resistant materials to promote longevity in use.

Plowtector system 100 may be sold as kit 440 comprising the following parts: at least one main vertical support 115 at least one horizontal rotary arm 125; at least one receiving hand 137; at least one retaining cap 117; at least one snow marker pole 155, and at least one set of user instructions 165. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Plowtector system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 6 showing flowchart 650 illustrating method of use 600 for Plowtector system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-5. As shown, method of use 600 may comprise the steps of: step one 601, assembling a kit of plowtector system; step two 602, installing main vertical support to a pole; step three 603, adjusting horizontal rotary arm; step four 604, measuring for placement of a snow marker pole; step five 605, lengthening extension arm to a desired length; step six 606, installing the snow marker pole to receiving hand; step seven 607, disassembling plowtector system; and step eight 608, storing plowtector system as desired.

It should be noted that step 607 and 608 are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use AO are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 6 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use AO.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A plowtector system comprising: a plowtector assembly comprising; a main vertical support comprising; a retaining cap; a first magnet; at least two post securing apertures; and a lower protruding rim; a horizontal rotary arm comprising; an upper protruding rim; a second magnet; an extension arm; at least one adjustable span aperture; and a spring end A; a receiving hand comprising; a swivel ball comprising; a spring end B; a spring attachment bar-disk; at least two square marker tie apertures; and a pad; wherein said plowtector system comprising said plowtector assembly; wherein said plowtector assembly comprises in functional combination said main vertical support, said horizontal rotary arm, and said receiving hand; wherein said main vertical support comprises said retaining cap for protecting said main vertical support from accidental dislodgement of integral components, said first magnet when in proximity with said second magnet allows said plowtector assembly to maintain original alignment, said at least two post securing apertures useful for securing said main vertical support to a post, and said lower protruding rim to allow said horizontal rotary arm to act as a support for said upper protruding rim attached to said horizontal rotary arm; wherein said horizontal rotary arm comprises said upper protruding rim structured and arranged for resting on said lower protruding rim, said second magnet when aligned with said first magnet allows said horizontal rotary arm if struck to return to initial position, and said extension arm useful for extending horizontal position outward; wherein said extension arm comprises said at least one adjustable span aperture used in conjunction with said extension arm to stabilize said extended horizontal position, and said spring end A fixedly attached to said extension arm; wherein said receiving hand comprises said swivel ball for allowing said plowtector assembly to pivot on said main vertical support, said swivel ball comprising said spring attachment bar-disk for attaching to said spring end B for maintaining tension, and said at least two square marker tie apertures, and said pad for keeping a marker in place; and wherein said main vertical support, said horizontal rotary arm, and said receiving hand increase visibility of a snow marker pole to avoid damage and accidents from snow plows while plowing.
 2. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said pad comprises rubberized material that is deformable when impacted.
 3. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said plow tector assembly comprises non-ferrous material such that it is corrosion resistant.
 4. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said plowtector assembly comprises durable plastic materials such that it is corrosion resistant.
 5. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said main vertical support comprises a pair of said horizontal rotary arms.
 6. The plowtector system of claim 5 wherein said main vertical support exterior shape comprises ribbed protrusions for structural strength.
 7. The plowtector system of claim 4 wherein said plowtector assembly comprises phosphorescent paint such that it is visible after dark.
 8. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said extension arm expands in length to twenty-five inches.
 9. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said extension arm expands in length more than twenty-five inches.
 10. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said cap comprises an aperture for inserting a pinlock therethrough to deter theft.
 11. The plowtector system of claim 1 wherein said swivel ball outer surface comprises a rough surface for increased grip.
 12. The plowtector system of claim 11 wherein said swivel ball inner surface comprises a smooth surface to assist in adjustment of said receiving hand.
 13. The plowtector system of claim 12 wherein said receiving hand comprises a c-shape for cylindrical snow marker poles.
 14. The plowtector system of claim 13 wherein said receiving hand comprises an open-sided cube shape for square posts.
 15. The plowtector system of claim 14 wherein said receiving hand comprises hook and loop fasteners.
 16. The plowtector system of claim 3 wherein said plowtector assembly comprises extreme temperature resistant materials to promote longevity in use.
 17. A plowtector system comprising: a main vertical support comprising; a retaining cap; a first magnet; at least two post securing apertures; and a lower protruding rim; a horizontal rotary arm comprising; an upper protruding rim; a second magnet; an extension arm; at least one adjustable span aperture; and a spring end A; a receiving hand comprising; a swivel ball comprising; a spring end B; a spring attachment bar-disk; at least two square marker tie apertures; and a pad wherein said plowtector system comprising said plowtector assembly; wherein said plowtector assembly comprises phosphorescent paint; wherein said plowtector assembly comprises non-ferrous material; wherein said plowtector assembly comprises extreme temperature resistant materials; wherein said plowtector assembly comprises in functional combination said main vertical support, said horizontal rotary arm, and said receiving hand; wherein said main vertical support comprises a pair of said horizontal rotary arms for supporting dual snow markers; wherein said main vertical support exterior shape comprises ribbed protrusions for adding structural strength; wherein said main vertical support comprises said retaining cap for protecting said main vertical support from accidental dislodgement of integral components, said first magnet when in proximity with said second magnet allows said plowtector assembly to maintain original alignment, said at least two post securing apertures useful for securing said main vertical support to a post, and said lower protruding rim to allow said horizontal rotary arm to act as a support for said upper protruding rim attached to said horizontal rotary arm; wherein said cap comprises an aperture for inserting a pinlock to deter theft; wherein said horizontal rotary arm comprises said upper protruding rim structured and arranged for resting on said lower protruding rim, said second magnet when aligned with said first magnet allows said horizontal rotary arm if struck to return to initial position, and said extension arm useful for extending horizontal position outward; wherein said extension arm comprises said at least one adjustable span aperture used in conjunction with said extension arm to stabilize said extended horizontal position, and said spring end A fixedly attached to said extension arm; wherein said extension arm expands in length to twenty-five inches; wherein said receiving hand comprises said swivel ball for allowing said plowtector assembly to pivot on said main vertical support, said swivel ball comprising said spring attachment bar-disk for attaching to said spring end B for maintaining tension, and said at least two square marker tie apertures, and said pad for keeping a marker in place; wherein said receiving hand comprises a c-shape for cylindrical snow marker poles; wherein said swivel ball outer surface comprises a rough surface for increased grip; wherein said swivel ball inner surface comprises a smooth surface to assist in adjustment of said receiving hand; wherein said receiving hand comprises hook and loop fasteners for securing snow markers; wherein said pad comprises deformable rubberized material; and wherein said main vertical support, said horizontal rotary arm, and said receiving hand increase visibility of a snow marker pole to avoid damage and accidents from snow plows while plowing.
 18. The plowtector system of claim 17 further comprising a kit including: said main vertical support; said horizontal rotary arm; said receiving hand; said retaining cap; and a set of user instructions.
 19. A method of using a plowtector system comprising the steps of: assembling a kit of said plowtector system; installing a main vertical support to a pole; adjusting a horizontal rotary arm; measuring for placement of a snow marker pole; lengthening an extension arm to a desired length; and installing said snow marker pole to a receiving hand.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: disassembling said plowtector system; and storing said plowtector system as desired. 